PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Cardinals Say They Can’t Afford Simms

Phil Simms, released by the New York Giants last summer in a salary-cap move, priced himself out of a chance to resume his career with the Arizona Cardinals.

“We just can’t afford him,” Cardinal Coach Buddy Ryan said. “It’s like when you want a new set of curtains and you can’t do it. It doesn’t matter how much you want them. . . .”

Simms, 38, is now a commentator for ESPN.

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Boomer Esiason’s left ankle was badly swollen Monday, leading New York Jets coach Pete Carroll to name Jack Trudeau the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. . . . The Miami Dolphins said halfback Terry Kirby would be sidelined for the season because of a knee injury and re-signed running back Aaron Craver, who was cut in the preseason. . . . Quarterback Erik Kramer will start for the Chicago Bears against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday if his right shoulder has healed, Coach Dave Wannstedt said. . . . Washington Redskin Coach Norv Turner will announce today whether John Friesz or rookie Heath Shuler will start Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. . . . The Cardinals signed running back Barry Word to a one-year contract.